Affectionately known as “Mr. Singy Singy” for his rich, sublimely full vocals, Tarrus Riley has racked up awards around the globe, releasing a stream of albums that tap into the rich tradition of Jamaican music while always bringing something new and exciting to the mix. Internationally recognized as one of the new torch-bearers of roots reggae music, Riley's music is powered by the sun-drenched vibes and positively engaging lyrics of the best reggae. In Riley's songs there is comfort, power and strength. Songs like “Shaka Zulu Pickney,” and “Marcus Garvey” work to inspire and educate the African diaspora, while songs like “She's Royal” and “Cool Me Down” are here to cool things down for the lovers in the audience. Joining Tarrus Riley and The Blak Soil Band is legendary Jamaican saxophonist Dean Fraser. Through his solo work, work with acts like Sly & Robbie, Luciano and now Tarrus Riley, Fraser has established himself an incredible secret weapon in any reggae arsenal. With something for every stripe of reggae listener, the mighty Tarrus Riley with Dean Fraser and The Blak Soil Band promise to deliver one of the most engaging and uplifting sets during their Victoria Ska & Reggae Fest debut!

Shauit
The one and only Innu Ragga Man, Shauit, finally makes his way to the Victoria Ska & Reggae Festival stage. Shauit is making some of the most vital and powerful reggae music in Canada right now. Singing in French, English and most importantly, his native Innu language, Shauit presents songs of love, power, hope and peace with an unyielding passion. His talent has taken him around both Canada and Europe as he spreads his message to the masses.

Batuque Axé feat. Miguelito Valdes of Buena Vista Social Club
Kicking off the festivities will be Batuque Axé, the blistering 12-piece backing band for Capoeira troupe Axé Capoeira, who will be in full force, demonstrating the beauty of the Brazilian martial art. They have lit up stages over the years with driving rhythms, beautiful melodies and captivating performances of traditional Brazilian dances and the Afro-Brazilian martial-art, Capoeira. Joining in with Batuque Axé will be legendary trumpeter Miguelito Valdes of such fabled acts as Buena Vista Social Club, Herbie Hancock and Afro-Cuban All-Stars.

Tank Gyal
To provide the beats in between your live acts on this very special night we had to call a legend from across the Strait. Tank Gyal, Vancouver's foremost authority on all tings riddmic, is coming to lay the slinkiest, sultriest, sunniest reggae grooves to keep you moving between all the amazing live music in store!

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TARRUS RILEY

Since the release of his debut album Challenges in 2004, Tarrus Riley has been one of the most consistently great fixtures in the world of reggae. The son of veteran reggae singer Jimmy Riley (The Sensations, The Uniques), Tarrus was born in the Bronx but raised in his father's native Jamaica. Affectionately known as “Mr. Singy Singy” for his r... more info

Shauit

Shauit is one of the most important names in Canadian reggae music. His radio-ready dancehall songs are powerful anthems that sing of respect, the environment, love and respect. At once militant and joyous, Shauit writes and his sings his immensely positive songs in French and English, but most importantly in his aboriginal language, Innu – the o... more info

Batuque Axe! (Samba/Reggae/Capoeira)

Axé Capoeira has lit up the stages of Folkfest and the Latin-Caribbean Festival over the years with driving rhythms, beautiful melodies and captivating performances of traditional Brazilian dances and the Afro-Brazilian martial-art, Capoeira. Performances offer a glimpse into the rich cultural world of Brazil with the participation of the group’... more info

Tank Gyal (Dancehall/reggae/hip hop)

Tank Gyal brings it raw with a combination of past and present dancehall, bashment, reggae, hip hop, hyphy and anything else with a killer beat and lots of low end. From spriritual roots anthems to Passa Passa-worthy slackness, Tank Girl hits all the bases to ensure maximum chaos on the dance floor. Creator and resident of bashment hotspot Thursday... more info